Grayson joy at Delph return

Simon Grayson has welcomed the return of Fabian Delph to Leeds United after the midfielder's loan signing .

Last Updated: 20/01/12 12:15pm

Fabian Delph: Moving back to Leeds United from Aston Villa on loan

Manager Simon Grayson has welcomed the return of Fabian Delph to Leeds United after the club confirmed the Aston Villa midfielder's loan signing .

The England Under-21 star, a product of the Leeds United Academy, returned to the club's training ground to complete the formalities of a loan deal on Friday. He goes into the Whites' squad for the game against Ipswich Town on Saturday.

He will be at Elland Road until February 25 at least although Villa can recall him after 28 days.

"We've been talking for a couple of weeks now with Villa about the possibility of bringing Fab back to the club," Grayson told the club's official website.

"As everyone knows Fab is a talented footballer who did very well here and secured himself a big move on the back of what he did.

"This is a great deal for both parties. Fab will get some football and he is the calibre of player that we've been looking to bring in here.

"I'd like to thank Alex McLeish and Villa for allowing Fab to join us."

The talented midfielder began his career with the Whites, making 46 league appearances before joining Villa.

He was a regular for Villa in the first half of the season, but has not played since December and has been made available for loan by McLeish.

The news comes as Norwich City close on a deal for Leeds skipper Jonny Howson.

The Canaries have seen an offer accepted by the Whites and are in the process of thrashing out personal terms. Howson is expected to travel to Norfolk on Friday to finalise his move.

Norwich boss Paul Lambert expects the deal to be pushed through without any last-minute drama, with the club unfazed by the fact that their new signing is carrying a knee injury.

He said: "You never quite know until someone signs but I'm pretty sure it's nearly there. We know the extent of the injury and there are no worries about it."